Florida defensive backs competing for time at STAR position

Florida lost both of its top options at STAR from 2023 — Jadarrius Perkins left midseason and Jaydon Hill transferred to Texas A&M in the offseason — but the future is still bright at the position.

Sharif Denson is among the favorites to start at the position, given he’s the only scholarship player on the roster with experience there, but redshirt freshman Aaron Gates is making a name for himself during training camp.

“Very competitive at the STAR position. He’s (Gates) in the thick of it here,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said Wednesday. “It was great for him to get four games of experience. He played a little bit on special teams. Aaron’s a young player. This is his first shot, his first go-round, and he’s right in the middle. Every day for him is critical.”

The STAR position is one of the most critical pieces of Florida’s defense. It’s a hybrid position, typically played by an extra safety or defensive back in nickel and dime sets.

“That player is involved in a major way with the run fit and the coverage, so you’ve got to be a smart player,” Napier said. “Sharif Denson is also at that position, and there’s a ton of competition.

“Gates, he’s tough. He’s competitive. He comes from a great family. His mom and dad are some favorite people in the entire world, and I think that this is his time. That’s what he came here for. It’s right there in front of him. He and Sharif alike, they’re going to be very important players in that defense this year.”

Tulane transfer DJ Douglas also an option

The final piece of the puzzle here is Tulane transfer DJ Douglas, who figures to serve as the backup free safety to Jordan Castell but could also see time lined up in the slot. He took over 150 snaps there last year for the Green Wave, according to Pro Football Focus.

With Gates getting some praise from Napier, it sounds like the race is wide open. There are only 20 days until Florida meets Miami in the season opener, though. This position battle could continue into the first few weeks of the season.

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